Fireworks factory explosion registers 1.9 magnitude on Richter scale

Earthquake monitoring sites register the explosion at 6.36am

A powerful fireworks factory explosion which rocked Salina on Monday morning registered a magnitude of 1.9 on the Richter scale, according to earthquake monitoring sites. 

Two farmers tilling nearby fields were slightly injured in the blast at the Lourdes Fireworks Factory on Triq il-Qadi, which was heard from across Malta at around 6.30am.

The blast killed at least four cows on nearby farms and several birds at Bird Park Malta.

The series of explosions also damaged properties in the surrounding areas.

Image: seismicportal.euImage: seismicportal.eu

The University of Malta's site, administered by the Seismic Monitoring and Research Group, and other similar monitoring sites, show that the explosion reached a magnitude of nearly 2 on the Richter scale at 4.36am GMT. Malta is currently running on GMT+2 time.

Video showing the blast from the balcony of an apartment. Video: madmax_Dj.

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